Top Classifieds

Benefit planned for slain Oakland officers' families

ALAMEDA — On Monday, the Alameda Theatre and Cineplex will host "Officers Remembered," a unique benefit for the families of the four Oakland police officers who were fatally shot March 21.

The event will feature "Level Zero," a documentary film by East Bay director/producer and paramedic Thaddeus Setla about those working for Alameda County Emergency Medical Services.

Kyle Conner, owner and operator of the movie house, said Setla had approached him about showing the film before Officer John Hege and Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans and Daniel Sakai were killed by parolee Lovelle Mixon in Oakland nearly two months ago.

"We met a second time around the time of the shooting of the four officers," Conner said, "and we were both really thinking about the project we might do together and its aim. One thing led to another, and we saw this was an important opportunity — the right time, the right place and the right charity. We wanted to support the foundation for the families as much as possible."

Tickets for Monday's event, which includes food, drinks and live entertainment, are $30, with proceeds going to the Oakland Police Department Funds for Families of Fallen Officers.

The evening will start at 6:30 p.m., with the roughly 30-minute documentary to be shown at 9:15 p.m., followed by a conversation with the director.

Advertisement

Before the film, East Bay firefighters will serve a traditional firehouse meal of chili and cornbread, donated by Pit Stop BBQ of Livermore, in the theater's historic lobby. Beer will be provided by Burgermeister of Alameda, while Rosenblum Cellars of Alameda will provide some of its fine wine.

At 8 p.m., a band of Alameda County paramedics and firefighters, Conscious Souls, is set to perform a mix of reggae, hip hop and rock. The group contributed to the film's soundtrack and recently made a CD of its music.

About half of the event's 750 tickets had been sold as of Tuesday. Remaining tickets can be purchased online at www.alamedatheatres.com and at the Alameda Theatre and Cineplex, 2713 Central Ave. The theater also will sell tickets at the door Monday.

"I would love to see us get to 700 guests," Conner said. "The event should be very special."

Many emergency personnel from the East Bay are expected to attend, including Alameda police Capt. Jim Brock. An honor guard will be present to help guests observe a moment of silence for the slain Oakland officers.

"We are glad we can do something good for the officers' families and for the community," Conner said.

Starting June 15, the theater will stage a series of children's movies to benefit local charities, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs. The films will be shown at 10 a.m. each Monday and Tuesday.